With warm dry weather brings ideas of long walks and well, generally spending time outside! And there are so many reasons why it’s such a great idea – have a read through the findings of a study conducted by Harvard University as to why spending time outdoors is both good for your body and mind and find an outdoor clothing sale for all your outdoor essentials this summer…

Your vitamin D levels rise. Sunlight hitting the skin begins a process that leads to the creation and activation of vitamin D. Studies suggest that this vitamin helps fight certain conditions, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and heart attacks. Limited sun exposure (don’t overdo it), supplemented with vitamin D pills if necessary, is a good regimen.

You’ll get more exercise. If you make getting outside a goal, that should mean less time in front of the television and computer and more time walking and doing other things that put the body in motion.

You’ll be happier. Light tends to elevate people’s mood, and there’s usually more light available outside than in. Physical activity has been shown to help people relax and cheer up, so if being outside replaces inactive pursuits with active ones, it might also mean more smiles.

Your concentration will improve. Children with ADHD seem to focus better after being outdoors. It might be a stretch to say that applies to adults, but if you have trouble concentrating, outdoor activity may help.

You may heal faster. In one study, people recovering from spinal surgery experienced less pain and stress and took fewer pain medications when they were exposed to natural light. An older study showed that the view out the window (trees vs. a brick wall) helped recovery in the hospital.

With all this outdoor activity in store it’s essential to have all the right gear – but don’t spend hundreds of pounds of your hard-earnt money, find a great outdoor clothing sale and buy to have fun, not to be frivolous!